B.C. Court Approves $475K Settlement in Vancouver Whitecaps ‘Messi No-Show’ Class Action

The B.C. Supreme Court has approved a $475,000 settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Major League Soccer (MLS) following the widely anticipated 2024 match in which Lionel Messi did not play.

Justice Andrew Majawa ruled Monday that the proposed settlement was fair and reasonable, describing the case as “novel” and legally complex.

The lawsuit stemmed from promotional materials surrounding the 2024 game between the Whitecaps and Inter Miami CF, which featured Messi and other star players in marketing campaigns leading up to the match. When Messi did not appear in the lineup, some ticket holders alleged they had been misled.

The representative plaintiff argued that the team “capitalized on the expectation” that high-profile players would attend. Claims included breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and alleged violations of provincial consumer protection laws and federal competition legislation.

In its response, the Whitecaps maintained that they had no control over Inter Miami’s lineup decisions and that player participation is never guaranteed. The settlement includes no admission of liability.

Changes to ticketing disclosures

As part of the agreement, the Whitecaps have committed to making their ticketing terms more prominent and clearly stating that specific players are not guaranteed to participate in matches.

Justice Majawa noted that while some class members opted out and a handful objected to the settlement, he dismissed certain objections that were based on “unsubstantiated internet rumours.” He also observed that one objection appeared to have been generated by artificial intelligence and included references to “AI hallucinations.”

Funds directed to charities

After legal fees, the remaining settlement funds will be donated to three B.C.-based sports charities:

• KidSport B.C., which supports children from families facing financial barriers to sports participation;

• Canada Scores, which provides free after-school sports programming;

• and the Boys and Girls Club of B.C.’s South Coast.

The court approved legal fees amounting to roughly one-third of the settlement — just over $156,000 — as well as a $1,500 honorarium for the representative plaintiff.

Justice Majawa acknowledged that the plaintiff faced online harassment during the legal proceedings, including misinformation that “impugned” his integrity.

“This misinformation or disinformation will remain on the internet and be associated with him forever,” the judge said, noting that such risks can discourage individuals from serving as representative plaintiffs in class actions.

Broader context

Approximately 50,000 people were included in the class. Justice Majawa noted that fans had already received some compensation in the form of a complimentary ticket to another match and discounted concessions.

“I accept that this is a novel and complex claim that there are a number of possible defences available,” the judge said. “The settlement is not required to be perfect.”

The ruling brings formal closure to a high-profile dispute that drew international attention and highlighted the legal complexities surrounding sports marketing and star-player expectations.